What does this research mean for the field?

Head-mounted display virtual reality exposure-based therapy shows potential clinical benefit in reducing symptoms across multiple anxiety-related disorders, though the current evidence base is limited by methodological heterogeneity and small sample sizes. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

March 18, 2026Virtual RealityOpen Access

Systematic scoping review of virtual reality exposure-based therapy for anxiety-related disorders since the commercial release of head-mounted display virtual reality

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Authors

ACAnna CaltabianoDyson (United Kingdom)AAAdile Dicle AkinGazi University MSMartina Di SimplicioImperial College London

Discussion

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Overview

This scoping review maps virtual reality exposure therapy's effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders, suggesting potential benefits while highlighting research gaps.

Key Points

This review aims to map the literature on Virtual Reality Exposure-Based Therapy for anxiety-related disorders, focusing on its application via head-mounted displays.
Conducted a systematic scoping review of studies using head-mounted display virtual reality for anxiety disorders.
Performed a comprehensive database search yielding 1097 records, with specific inclusion criteria.
Charted 30 studies focusing on various anxiety-related outcomes, including phobias and social anxiety.
Most studies reported reductions in anxiety symptoms from pre- to post-intervention.
Acceptability and engagement with VRET were favorable overall, despite inconsistent measurement.
Highlighted the presence of methodological heterogeneity, leading to limited comparability among studies.

Cite This Study

Caltabiano et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69ba42ae4e9516ffd37a31a8 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-026-01350-1

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March 18, 2026Virtual RealityOpen Access

Systematic scoping review of virtual reality exposure-based therapy for anxiety-related disorders since the commercial release of head-mounted display virtual reality

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

ACAnna CaltabianoDyson (United Kingdom)AAAdile Dicle AkinGazi University MSMartina Di SimplicioImperial College London

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

This scoping review maps virtual reality exposure therapy's effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders, suggesting potential benefits while highlighting research gaps.

Key Points

This review aims to map the literature on Virtual Reality Exposure-Based Therapy for anxiety-related disorders, focusing on its application via head-mounted displays.
Conducted a systematic scoping review of studies using head-mounted display virtual reality for anxiety disorders.
Performed a comprehensive database search yielding 1097 records, with specific inclusion criteria.
Charted 30 studies focusing on various anxiety-related outcomes, including phobias and social anxiety.
Most studies reported reductions in anxiety symptoms from pre- to post-intervention.
Acceptability and engagement with VRET were favorable overall, despite inconsistent measurement.
Highlighted the presence of methodological heterogeneity, leading to limited comparability among studies.

Cite This Study

Caltabiano et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69ba42ae4e9516ffd37a31a8 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-026-01350-1

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